After extensive upgrades, Campbell Riverites are back to enjoying Centennial Pool – but more upgrades are on the way.
After the summer hotspot on 4th Avenue was kept closed last year due to the COVID pandemic, crews were able to update the outdoor pool without having to work around patrons. It has now reopened, welcoming locals back this past Tuesday (July 6th).
City manager Deborah Sargent told My Campbell River Now it’s one of the city’s oldest facilities, so the work was much needed. The boiler, many sections of the distribution and treatment systems, and the main pool gutter was replaced. It also received a fresh coat of paint – the ‘icing on the cake’, Sargent noted.
But as pandemic restrictions ease, the change house facility will be the next step in the pool’s rehabilitation work. While the house’s redesign was scheduled for 2020, with the intent to start construction sometime this year, the project was deferred due to COVID capacity issues.
During the June 29th ‘Committee of a Whole’ meeting, city council reviewed two design options for upgrades. Opportunities for public feedback will be available during this summer’s pool season.
One option is a relatively modest renovation, the City notes. It would cost $447,000, with upgrades to the existing change house interior and some small updates to plumbing fixtures, plus the fit and finish of the facility. There would be some minor reconfiguration of the interior men’s, women’s, and family change rooms.
The second option, coming in at a total of $1,054,000, is more extensive. There would be no gendered change rooms. Instead, a universal changing village with single stalls including larger stalls for families. A common area open to the pool deck would also be added, along with a more inviting entryway.
For either option, an accessible washroom and deck showers would also be added.
Mayor Andy Adams says he really sees the benefits of universal washrooms, not just for families, but for those with special needs and disabilities: “It makes a lot of sense,” Adams noted, adding he’s “very supportive” of the idea.
According to the City, change house renovations are currently funded in 2022 at a project value of $350,000 within the 2021-2030 capital plan. They say this project, particularly the enhanced option, is likely to qualify for senior government grant funding opportunities.
With this in mind, the City says there’s a continuous intake for a ‘Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Grant’ through Infrastructure Canada, which could see up to 80 per cent grant funding for the project.
Council will make a final decision on pool change house upgrades after receiving public input, with information on how to provide public feedback being shared soon to the City’s website and Facebook pages.
Meanwhile, major users — including the CR Salmon Kings swim club, as well as School District 72 — will also be provided an opportunity to review and provide more formalized feedback.
